Lawrence was a highly regarded NFL prospect and part of Clemson’s “Power Rangers’ defensive front that was among the best in college football last season. It was likely he would’ve gone pro even before the positive drug test.

Galloway, a sophomore, was expected to compete for a starting tight end job this fall. He had five catches for 52 yards.

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Giella, a senior, is a reserve lineman.

Clemson said Friday that the athletic department had administered 329 tests for performance-enhancing drugs since 2014 and all came back negative except for the three last December. The department said all supplements are reviewed with its athletics nutrition and sports medicine staff and Clemson’s compliance office to ensure no banned substances are used.

Ariail said the players’ appeal included information from experts that the trace amounts of ostarine found indicated contamination from “legitimate products.”

“In this case, it is our strong belief that no violation occurred,” he said.